Byzantine archives

Byzantine archives refer to the extensive collection of documents and records maintained by the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 4th to the 15th century. These archives included legal documents, governmental records, diplomatic correspondence, and religious texts. They served as an essential resource for administration, governance, and historical reference. The term "Byzantine" often implies complexity and intricacy, stemming from the sophisticated bureaucracy of the empire. The preservation of these archives was crucial for understanding Byzantine culture, law, and history, influencing later civilizations, particularly in the fields of administration, art, and theology.